Landmark Report Sheds Light on Fragile Coastal Ecosystems
A groundbreaking assessment of coastal ecosystems, co-authored by China's Ministry of Natural Resources and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), made its global debut at the World Coastal Forum (WCF) this week. The Global Coastal Ecosystem Status Report marks humanity's first comprehensive evaluation of these vital transition zones where land, freshwater, and sea converge.
Covering 32% of Earth's biodiversity hotspots, coastal ecosystems sustain $14 trillion in annual economic value through fisheries, tourism, and natural disaster mitigation. The study reveals striking geographical patterns: tropical regions host 88% of seagrass beds and 99% of coral reefs, while temperate zones claim 69% of coastal salt marshes and most kelp forests.
Biodiversity Hotspots Face Growing Pressures
Researchers identified mangrove forests as particularly crucial, storing 4-5 times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests. However, the report warns that 50% of global coastal wetlands have disappeared since 1900 due to urbanization and climate change.
"This isn't just an environmental issue," said lead researcher Dr. Li Wei during the WCF panel. "Coastal ecosystems directly support 1.4 billion people living within 100 km of shorelines. Their preservation is key to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals."
